‘Big step for us’ – Vieira reflects on ‘really good day’ for Palace

Patrick Vieira has played down Crystal Palace’s achievement of reaching the FA Cup semi-final after their 4-0 thrashing of Everton.

The Eagles are enjoying a terrific campaign under the French manager, who replaced Roy Hodgson last summer.

Could this be Crystal Palace’s greatest ever season?

Palace are currently 12th in the Premier League, two points behind Aston Villa in ninth.

With a top-half finish in sight, Vieira’s side will enjoy a trip to Wembley next month after beating Everton to reach the FA Cup semi-final.

“It’s a really good day for the club, I think we played well as a team,” the Arsenal legend said (via TeamTalk). “We were under pressure early on, but we didn’t concede. And when we scored that first goal, we started to believe a little bit more.

“The key time was that first 15 minutes because they were on top of us and had the momentum. But we showed maturity, started to play for the second ball and got a foothold in the game. Going through a difficult period and not conceding a goal, that’s what is good for us.”

Vieira added: “Of course, it is fantastic, we are going to Wembley. You can hear the stadium, the fans have been fantastic – this is what they wanted. They have really been behind the team and we needed their support to perform.

“But it is just a step forward. We are only in a semi-final. Of course, it’s a big step for us, we will enjoy it. It is good for the fans, the club, the players, but again, it’s just one step forward.”

Elsewhere, Juventus and Inter Milan are both interested in Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher, who is currently on loan at Crystal Palace.

The Sun claim that the Serie A clubs have sent scouts out to watch the England international.

Gallagher has been in terrific form for Palace this season. He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 25 Premier League games.